Identity Challenges Research Articles

Exploring the Professional Identity and Practice Challenges of Lithuanian Dental Hygienists

Exploring the Professional Identity and Practice Challenges of Lithuanian Dental Hygienists

The Rituals of Llazore and Rusica in the Village of Polena (Albania) between Past and Present

This paper provides an overview of two spring calendrical rituals, llazore and rusica, historically and contemporarily practiced in Polena, a village in Southeast Albania's Korça region. These rituals, linked to Orthodox Christian feasts, are vital to the community's cultural and religious life. Despite challenges like globalization, societal changes, and demographic shifts, the rituals persist, reflecting the local community's commitment to preserving and transmitting them. The study examines the rituals' historical context, evolution, and enduring role in maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion amid modern challenges.

Identity and Role Challenges for Academic Teams Engaging with a First-Year Transition Program

Identity and Role Challenges for Academic Teams Engaging with a First-Year Transition Program

Islamic philosophy and modern social science: The need to re-examine the methods of forming social theories in the sphere of religious culture

Social theories are logically associated with a series of terms that represent their principles and consequences. When they are realized in society, they actualize the entire network of their conceptual additions in a logical order. One part of this network primarily attracts the attention of the scientific community, while the other one remains hidden and takes the form of marginal knowledge. Modern social science theories move from the margins to the center of society once their philosophical principles are actualized even in the sphere of general culture. In the context of Islamic culture, these theories appeared in the shadow of the credibility of the political and economic domination of Western societies, and their philosophical principles remained hidden on the margins of domestic knowledge. In the domestic cultural atmosphere, based on significantly different knowledge, modern social theories have caused cultural and historical disturbances, because they have not been reconstructed in accordance with the needs of the cognitive heritage of Islam. Logical principles of modern science have gradually left the marginal sphere and dominantly influenced their new and weakened cultural environment, which is facing identity challenges and crises on its way to complete transformation.

The frontstage-backstage of organizational identity and management control system: the tale of British Petroleum’s embarrassment in DWH

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the dynamic interplay between the management control system (MCS) and organizational identity (OI) in the Deepwater Horizon incident involving British Petroleum (BP). It examines how the MCS manages challenges, particularly those addressing the embarrassment stemming from identity disparities between external portrayal (frontstage) and internal operations (backstage), with a focus on the often-underestimated influence of the media.Design/methodology/approachThis study builds upon the frameworks developed by Ravasi and Schultz (2006) and Malmi and Brown (2008) to construct a theoretical framework that profoundly investigates the relationship between MCS and OI. The framework developed guided the research design and incorporated a qualitative approach complemented by an illustrative case study. The research data was rigorously gathered from diverse sources, including official BP documents and influential media outlets, with a particular focus on well-established American and British newspapers.FindingsBP’s MCS plays a dual role: it exposes discrepancies in safety, leadership and values, causing embarrassment and identity damage, yet catalyses a sense-making process leading to organizational transformation and shifts in the OI. This transformation influences sense-giving and prompts changes in MCS. The study reveals an intricate interplay in identity management between frontstage audiences (e.g. influential media) and backstage actors (e.g. BP’s senior management). It highlights interdependencies both within and between MCS and OI, emphasizing their roles in interacting within identity management. The longitudinal recovery is intricately tied to mutual political interests between BP and the USA, which are significantly facilitated by the media’s role.Research limitations/implicationsThis study acknowledges limitations that point future research opportunities. Interviews could provide a more dynamic understanding of MCS changes and organizational transformations. Investigating the role of leadership, particularly the new chief executive office, and the influence of political versus organizational factors in shaping identity claims is essential. Additionally, the effectiveness and historical context of interdependencies should be quantitatively assessed. Theoretical limitations in the OI and MCS frameworks suggest the need for context-specific categorisations. This research serves as a foundation for further exploration of the intricate dynamics between MCS, OI and organizational responses to crises.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable insights with practical implications for organizations facing identity challenges in the wake of significant incidents. Organizations can better navigate crises by recognizing the multifaceted role of MCS in identity damage and restoration. It underscores the importance of addressing both frontstage and backstage aspects of OI while managing identity discrepancies, thereby enhancing transparency and credibility. Additionally, understanding the intricate interdependencies within OI and MCS can guide organizations in implementing more effective identity restoration strategies. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of media influence and the need to engage with it strategically during crisis management.Social implicationsThis study’s findings have significant social implications for organizations and the broader public. By recognizing the multifaceted role of MCS in shaping identity, organizations can enhance transparency and credibility, rebuilding trust with the public. Additionally, the study highlights the critical role of media in influencing perceptions and decision-making during crises, emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical reporting. Understanding the intricate interplay between MCS and OI can inform better crisis management strategies and improve how organizations respond to and recover from incidents, ultimately benefiting society by promoting more accountable and responsible corporate behaviour.Originality/valueThis study’s distinctness lies in its innovative exploration of MCS, which transcends traditional methodologies that focus narrowly on front or backstage aspects of OI and often adhere to predetermined MCS practices. It underscores the importance of concurrently addressing both the front- and backstage audiences in managing the embarrassment caused by identity discrepancies and restoration. The research uncovers multifaceted interdependencies within MCS and OI, and these extend beyond simplistic relationships and emphasize the complex nature of identity restoration management.

Understanding the dimensions of women entrepreneurs’ empowerment: a systematic review of the microfinance literature and avenues for research

PurposeThe purpose of the present paper is to provide a systematic overview of dimensions that need to be enfolded or considered in microfinance policies and strategies designs as well as impact studies aiming to empower or assess the empowerment of a specific category of women, namely women entrepreneurs. Afterward, the study aims to suggest some directions for future studies.Design/methodology/approachTo meet its purpose, the paper applies the systematic review approach. The applied methodology follows guidelines for systematic reviews of social and economic interventions as set out by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). More specifically, the authors examine 87 empirical papers from 6 databases investigating the impact of microfinance institutions on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs.FindingsOverall, findings of the study suggest that dimensions of the empowerment of women entrepreneurs are formed and conditioned by normative, cognitive and regulative institutional logics. Additionally, the systematic review suggests key research avenues and calls for more inclusive empirical studies in terms of geographical coverage, microfinance services/products assessed and method designs applied.Research limitations/implicationsFindings of the current review provide clear theoretical contribution and useful practical implications in the field of microfinance and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs. On the one hand, the study suggests to scholars key avenues for future studies likely to bring new insights in terms of theory, context and methods. On the other hand, this study extents the understanding of microfinance practitioners on the concept of women empowerment as the field of female entrepreneurship is concerned. This implication is likely to enable the design of appropriate microfinance strategies and policies, allowing women entrepreneurs to achieve an overall empowerment.Originality/valueThe present paper contributes to the debate around the multidimensionality of the concept, “women empowerment.” The multidimensional nature of the addressed concept is well established in the existing literature. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has provided a conceptual analysis of empowerment dimensions of a particular category of women, namely women entrepreneurs. Unlike most of the studies assuming that all women face identical challenges, the present paper brings new insights on the topic as it is built on a different assumption. The paper takes ground from the institutional theory and applies it to the specific case of female entrepreneurship.

Uniform-undone: A study in the repurposing of military attire through history and in experimental practice

This article reports on a practice-led research project focusing on military attire as both a subject and an agent of change. An historical account situates the origins of modern military attire within the emergent modern state during the nineteenth century, and then examines its subsequent role as part of the project to create a ‘new man’ in Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. This is followed by a critical discussion of the decoupling of military attire from its associations with the institutions of state and warfare during the Vietnam War – where fatigues entered the popular atmosphere as casual attire that was variously subversive, countercultural and aesthetic in nature. Employing the MA-1 bomber jacket and camouflage as illustrative examples, the article then highlights the continued repurposing of military attire and its concomitant commoditization. The practice-led research employs object-based research, speculative artistic methodologies and various garment-making techniques in the production of a novel ‘military’ garment that explores the symbolism of military uniforms and critiques their traditional concept as utilitarian combat wear. The material outcomes interrogate linkages between military attire and notions of masculinity, class and gender identity. The research project further attempts to speculate on how military attire may be repurposed within the atmosphere of the twenty-first century – one that contemplates new forms of identity and other challenges that are responsive to contemporary circumstances.

Migration and the challenges of identity: a new historicist reading of Dul Johnson’s Deeper Into The Night

This study discusses Dul Johnson’s Deeper into the Night, looking at issues of migration and identity within the Nigerian sphere. A lot of people tend to associate the term migration and identity to go hand in hand. It is not out of place to think that way. This is because when people migrate to a different place, they carry their identity along with them. Hence, by the time they settle in a new environment, they are faced with the issue of assimilation and as a matter of fact, their cultural identity tends to shift. Through the novel, the issues of migration and the challenges of identity is presented through the male character Alhaji Nisa Maiguguwa who migrated from Karara emirate with his entire family in search of a better life. The author presents conflicting issues such as ethnicity, religion and tradition which also introduces the problems of identity in the text under study. This research focuses on the reasons for migration and the problems faced by characters as it concerns identity. New Historicism is used in analyzing the text.

A new model of axon degeneration in the mouse optic nerve using repeat intraocular pressure challenge

We characterize a new experimental model for inducing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction and degeneration in mice. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to two acute periods of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (50 mmHg for 30 min) by cannulation of the anterior chamber. We used full-field electroretinography and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to measure subsequent changes in retina and optic nerve function, and histochemical techniques to assess RGC survival and optic nerve structure. In 12 month old mice, a single IOP challenge caused loss and subsequent recovery of RGC function over the following 28 days with minimal cell death and no observed axonal damage. A second identical IOP challenge resulted in persistent RGC dysfunction and significant (36%) loss of RGC somas. This was accompanied by a 16.7% delay in the latency and a 27.6% decrease in the amplitude of the VEP. Severe axonal damage was seen histologically with enlargement of axons, myelin disruption, reduced axon density, and the presence of glial scarring. In contrast, younger 3 month old mice when exposed to a single or repeat IOP challenge showed quicker RGC functional recovery after a single challenge and full functional recovery after a repeat challenge with no detectable optic nerve dysfunction. These data demonstrate a highly reproducible and minimally invasive method for inducing RGC degeneration and axonal damage in mice. Resilience of the optic nerve to damage is highly dependent on animal age. The time-defined nature of functional versus structural loss seen in this model stands to facilitate investigation of neuroglial responses in the retina after IOP injury and the associated evaluation of neuroprotective treatment strategies. Further, the model may be used to investigate the impact of aging and the cellular switch between neurorecovery and neurodegeneration.

Virtual Allies: Why Allyship is Critical to Diversification of Virtual Reality Gaming?

More attention is being brought to the identity challenges minority gamers face. However, as the gaming industry moves into virtual spaces and virtual reality (VR) gaming continues to grow in popularity, it is important to understand how identity and the virtual metaverse combine. Using a carnal autoethnography of a competitive woman VR gamer's lived experiences with sexism and misogyny over 6 months, this study explores how many women experience VR games as outsiders in a male-dominated space. Through the application of ambivalent sexism theory, this study shows virtual platform affordances can both help and harm minority gamers in their quest to be accepted in gaming communities. This study is among the first to examine gendered experience of VR gaming, especially from an autoethnographic frame, contributing to existing literature in women and gaming. This work calls on players, developers, educators, and research to emphasize allyship and media literacy to encourage more diverse virtual spaces.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA, LIMINALITY, AND RESILIENCE IN PARAPLEGIC INDIVIDUALS: EXPLORING A SHIFTING IDENTITY CLINICAL AND PROJECTIVE STUDY

The study focuses on the psychodynamic approach to the psychological consequences of acquired motor disabilities in paraplegic individuals following a traffic accident. Emphasizing the identity issues faced by paraplegic individuals,the author, through clinical and projective research, delvedinto the manifestations of liminality experienced by a young woman transitioning to her new reality and its implications on identity concerns. Liminality, a concept borrowed from the French anthropologist Arnold Van Gennep in the context of cultural rituals and social transitions, refers in a broader sense to the process of transitioning and adapting to life changes, including those that may arise when an individual acquires a motor disability. It refers to a transitional state where a person finds themselves between two states or positions, often characterized by uncertainty, confusion, and exploration. It's a period of breaking away from previous identity and life, and an exploration of new ways of being and positioning oneself in the world. The author discusses adaptive strategies and resilience mechanisms used to overcome these identity challenges and reconcile with a new sense of self, a new post-traumatic identity

Fostering a Sense of Belonging among Pakistani Youth: An Exploration of Cultural Heritage and Identity in the Reluctant Fundamentalist

This paper explores the complex relationship between Pakistani identity and cultural legacy in the framework of Mohsin Hamid's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," with an emphasis on helping young people feel like they belong. The research tries to explore the manner in which the story navigates the challenges of cultural identity in a globalized society by drawing on sociocultural theories, especially Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding model and Homi K. Bhabha's notions of hybridity and third space. Through the protagonist's trip, we are able to study the conflict between tradition and modernity, as well as East and West, and get insights into the processes that shape Pakistani identity today. This study compiles the body of research on juvenile development and cultural identity. The research aims to shed light on methods for promoting a sense of belonging among Pakistani youth, encouraging cross-cultural understanding, and building a more inclusive and interconnected global society by examining how the protagonist's cultural heritage affects how they perceive themselves and others.

“Born into a Broken World:” The Holocaust Carrier

In this article, a second-generation author explores the conflicts and challenges of post-war Jewish identity and the inheritance from her father, through the medium of literature by and about sons and daughters of Holocaust survivors.

Making Sense of Memorable Messages About Infertility: Examining Message Valence by Theme and Sender

ABSTRACT Fertility problems, often called infertility, have been defined as the inability to conceive or maintain pregnancy throughout one year of trying (World Health Organization, 2020). Because fertility problems can present unique medical, emotional, relational, and identity challenges, they are often difficult to talk about, and even well-intentioned messages can be perceived negatively. This study uses Communicated Sense-Making (CSM; Kellas & Kranstuber Horstman, 2015), particularly its mechanism of memorable messages, to explore what types of support-related messages people experiencing infertility find memorable. Results from semi-structured interviews (N = 54) indicate five supra-themes of memorable messages: (a) communicating solidarity; (b) attempting to minimize participants’ stress; (c) communicating investment or interest in the patient’s experience; (d) sharing expertise; and (e) absolving the patient of responsibility; we identify several sub-themes within each. We also explore patterns between message types, senders, and message valence: message themes were perceived as either positive, negative, or neutral based on the combination of sender and perceived intention. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

How intergenerational farmers negotiate their identity in the era of Agriculture 4.0: A multiple-case study in Indonesia

Abstract Identity has become a fascinating object of exploration in various aspects of life and work, including farming. Many studies have examined the extent to which farmers reconstruct their identities, and only a limited number have evaluated the forms of negotiation from a communication perspective. Therefore, herein, we addressed this gap by analysing the identity challenges experienced by farmers in the agricultural era 4.0. A comprehensive farmer identity negotiation model was developed by conducting a multi-case study involving millennial and Generation X farmers from different regions in Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 farmers who have embraced Agriculture 4.0 across five regencies in Indonesia. The results showed that farmer identity is maintained and built through various processes, including education, outreach, affiliation, and social networking. Farmer identity negotiation also involves self-preparedness, such as developing communication competence and receiving environmental support through social connections, media, and access to information. The process of farmer identity negotiation ultimately leads to the affirmation of identity, manifesting in changes in social roles, lifestyle changes, and improved farming quality. The advent of Agriculture Revolution 4.0 has necessitated the availability of innovative information, provided access to information and communication technology, and spaces for farmer communities to improve their farming competence.

Managing Identity Change, Challenges, and Continuity Over Time

Managing Identity Change, Challenges, and Continuity Over Time

Can open source and open standards solve the global ID challenge?

The world faces a huge identity challenge, with an estimated 850 million people lacking official proof of ID. Debora Comparin of Thales analyses the issue – and the open source and open standards solutions being put forward to address it.

An Analysis of the Living and Working Conditions of Migrant Labourers in Mumbai

Mumbai is the heartland for migrant labourers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar because the city provides them livelihood. The present paper explores the living and working conditions of semi-skilled and unskilled migrant labourers. The methodology of the paper consists of collection of primary data using a mixed method approach in the form of a field visit to Mumbai in February 2019. Qualitative data in the form of narratives, case studies and descriptions was analysed, while quantitative data was analysed using simple statistics and ANOVA. The findings from the study show that these migrant labourers face challenges of socio-economic and political identity in Mumbai but have developed their own cultural landscape to adjust to life in Mumbai. The quantitative findings show that there are variations in the patterns of income, remittances and expenditure of migrant labourers according to their occupation in Mumbai. Therefore, the findings of the study provide a better understanding of the living and working conditions of migrant labourers as well as encourage academicians, policymakers, and researchers for further research in this area.

An exploratory mixed methods study of multiracial Americans' race choices on the 2020 census.

We asked Multiracial emerging adults' about how they racially identified on the 2020 census, why they checked those boxes, their feelings about the options available to them, and how they would change the census options. After identifying the different themes, we looked at how groups differed on outcomes of Multiracial experiences, critical reflection, and self-esteem. We recruited a sample of 424 Multiracial emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 29 (67.1% female, Mage = 23.5). They responded to short-answer questions and survey items. Short-answer responses were coded into categories based on the themes identified, and associations with scales were examined using an analysis of variance and t test. Three themes were identified for reasons for selections on the census: identity-driven, accuracy-driven, and externally driven. Five themes represented participants' feelings about the census options, which were narrowed down to two themes (okay with the census options vs. add more census options). The accuracy-driven group reported higher scores for shifting racial expressions, challenges with racial identity, and critical reflection, as well as lower scores for self-esteem. In addition, individuals who wanted more options added to the census scored higher on challenges with racial identity and critical reflection. Multiracial emerging adults who seek to objectively report their racial background on the census regardless of how they identify shift racial expressions and report lower self-esteem, and like those who want more options added to the census, they experience more identity challenges but are more racially aware. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Violence and Post-National Costa Rican Identity in Limón Reggae

Anacristina Rossi’s novels have received critical attention relating to their presentation of pan-Caribbean identity and other challenges to the mythical national identity of the tico. Building on scholarship by Manizal and Kearns, I argue that Limón Reggae presents a representation of the post-national community and that the violent conditions that mark the protagonist’s life not only debunk the national myth of a peaceful Costa Rica, but also comment on the impossibility of belonging in the post-national community. The pain that the protagonist experiences as a result of her interpersonal relationships reflects the difficulty of forming a community after the bounds of the nation have become less defined by globalization, even to individuals who come from groups not traditionally included in the definition of a Costa Rican citizen, such as the protagonist. With the breakdown of categories of affiliation across lines of geography, race, language, and class, the protagonist is able to move easily between places and groups, but her encounters with ‘others’ are complicated by the post-national condition.